YouTube is significantly upgrading its Shorts platform by integrating Google Lens, enabling users to perform visual searches directly within short-form videos. The new feature will allow viewers to identify and learn more about items, landmarks, or any visual element they see. It is set to begin its global rollout on iOS and Android over the coming weeks, according to YouTube, aiming to satisfy viewer curiosity seamlessly.
The integration will allow users to pause a Short, select a new “Lens” option, and then tap, highlight, or draw around an object of interest. Google Lens will then overlay relevant search results and information on the video itself.
The new Lens feature is designed to make content discovery more intuitive and interactive. Now, if you’re watching a Short and get curious about something on screen, you can use Google Lens to quickly recognize and look it up—right from within the YouTube app.
The move could give YouTube a competitive advantage, as similar visual search functionalities are not currently standard in rival platforms like TikTok or Instagram Reels.
During the initial beta period, YouTube has stated that these Lens-powered searches will not display advertisements. Additionally, the company clarified that the feature will not be active on Shorts containing YouTube Shopping affiliate links or paid product promotions.
Deeper Engagement and Creator Tools
The integration of Lens directly into the Shorts player removes a significant friction point for users wanting to learn more about what they’re seeing, potentially boosting engagement metrics for the platform. It is the latest in a series of AI-driven enhancements for YouTube Shorts, which has been consistently adding tools to empower creators and engage viewers.
Last year, YouTube rolled out AI-generated voiceovers and automatic captions for Shorts. This February YouTube integrated its Veo 2 AI video generation model, allowing creators to produce high-resolution, cinematically-styled videos from text prompts.
In April, YouTube announced new upcoming features for Shorts creators, including an improved video editor and AI-generated stickers, further aiming to help them produce engaging content.
Google’s Broader AI and Visual Search Strategy
This Lens integration into Shorts is a clear reflection of Google’s wider strategy to weave its advanced AI capabilities, especially visual search, throughout its entire product ecosystem. Google Lens was previously incorporated into the Chrome desktop browser in August 2024, enabling users to search using images or selected portions of webpages.
The technological foundation for such features has been in development for some time. Google’s Gemini Live AI assistant, for example, in March gained the ability to process live video and on-screen content, allowing for real-time, multimodal AI assistance.
These advancements were prominently featured at Google I/O 2025, where CEO Sundar Pichai emphasized that “the opportunity with AI is truly as big as it gets.” The event also showcased “Search Live,” a feature enabling real-time camera-based interaction in Google Search, powered by Project Astra.
As YouTube continues to innovate on Shorts, the focus remains on balancing cutting-edge features with user trust and creator control. YouTube has implemented policies regarding AI-generated content and creator permissions for AI model training in YouTube Studio.
